Home workshop taxidermist for hunters

Hunters and anglers, rural landowners, collectors and people wanting decorative pieces.

A fixed price per mount, set by species and size. Extras such as habitat bases, shoulder mounts or repairs add to the price. Many clients pay a deposit up front.

• Patient, detailed hand work
• An eye for animal anatomy and natural poses
• Comfortable handling carcasses
• Clear communication about timeframes and costs

• Taxidermy of native wildlife is tightly regulated, so check your state or territory wildlife licensing body before taking any work
• Check whether your council allows a home-based business, and how it treats odours, chemicals and waste
• Safe disposal of carcass waste and tanning chemicals, so check local rules
• Disease risks from handling carcasses, so use protective gear and good hygiene
• Public liability insurance and an ABN
• Keep records of where each animal came from and be clear about what you will and won't accept

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the tools, materials and workshop set-up you need. You work on commission, one piece at a time, so you can build up gradually.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $600 to $3,000, depending on how many commissions you take on and the type of animals you mount. Each piece takes time, so hours worked matter.

Taxidermy of native wildlife is tightly regulated, so check with your state or territory wildlife licensing body before taking any work. Also check whether your council allows a home business, and the rules on odours, chemicals and waste disposal.